The Permit Process

A permit, when
required, is a document, required by state law, granting
legal permission to start construction.

The information below is the most common process for obtaining a permit;
it does not reflect all the conditions you may encounter. Refer to project specific information for
further details.

Step 1: The Permit Application Center

Staff at the Permit Application Center will provide you
with the resources and information necessary to make your project a
success and to avoid potential problems which could cost you time and
money. Be prepared to discuss your project with permit staff who
will ask you questions such as “What are you planning to do?” and
“Where are you planning to do it?” The permit staff will
discuss the specific process for your project with you.

Fairfax County issues separate building permits and trade (electrical,
mechanical and plumbing) permits. Therefore, depending on your project,
you may need multiple permits.

Step 2: Permit Application

A completed permit application is required prior to beginning the
administrative process. You may pick up a permit application at the
Permit Application Center or online. You’ll
be asked to document “who” will perform the work and “what,” “where,” and
“how” the work will be completed. Drawings, plans or other documentation
of the proposed work may be required. You may be asked to pay for all or
part of your permit
fee at the time of application.

Step 3: The Review Process

During the review process,
county staff will determine if your project is in compliance with
the building code, the zoning ordinance, and other
county or state ordinances and statutes. The length of the review process
will depend on the type and complexity of the project. Many small
residential applications can be processed in one day. Posted plan review
timeframes are kept
online.

Step 4: Permit Approval

When compliance with the code, zoning ordinances and other applicable
statutes are determined, the permit application is approved. Once
all final permit fees are paid, the permit is issued.

However, if the permit application is not approved or a review has
failed, your permit application as submitted will be denied. When a
permit application is denied, you must make the necessary corrections and
resubmit the application. Staff will post deficiencies online for your convenience.

Step 5: Construction

During the entire construction phase, all permits must be placed in a
window or other prominent place at the project site and a copy of the
county-approved building plans and related documents must be maintained
at the site.

Step 6: Inspections

Each major phase of construction must be inspected by a county inspector
to make certain the work conforms to the code, the permit and the
approved plans.

Inspection requests for each permit may be made via the website or in person. Normally, the response is
one business day after the request is made.

If an inspector finds that work does not conform to the approved plans,
the inspector will fail the inspection and provide comments.
Another inspection will be necessary before work is resumed.

Step 7: Field Changes

Most changes will require a review and approval in the same manner as
the original application. Please bring any proposed revisions or
alterations to the attention of the permit staff before making
changes in the field.

Step 8: Project Completion

When the project is completed and code compliance is determined, the
inspector issues a final inspection. The final inspection marks the
completion of your project and grants permission to occupy a building
with the knowledge that it has met the minimum safety standards as
required by code.